Standard Common Name

Magpie Perch

Alternative Name/s

Black-striped Morwong, Magpie Morwong

Identification

The species has a pale head and body with three dark bands, the central band usually the darkest. Interestingly, the fish can "turn off" the central band almost instantly, dramatically changing its colour pattern.

Size range

The Magpie Morwong grows to a length of over 40 cm

Distribution

The species is found in temperate marine wates from Albany in Western Australia to Kiama in New South Wales. It is also found in Tasmania.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.